Sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla

Background

Sarsaparilla is a group of plants that grow in tropical parts of the world. There are about 350 species, including Smilax officinalis and Smilax glabra.

Chemicals in sarsaparilla might help decrease pain and swelling. Some chemicals might also help kill cancer cells or slow down their growth.

People use sarsaparilla for cancer, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse sarsaparilla with German sarsaparilla. These are not the same.
When taken by mouth: Sarsaparilla is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if sarsaparilla is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine. It might cause upset stomach when used in large amounts.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sarsaparilla is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Kidney disease: Sarsaparilla might make kidney disease worse. Avoid sarsaparilla if you have kidney problems.

Effectiveness

There is interest in using sarsaparilla for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

Traditionally, sarsaparilla is brewed in a tea. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of sarsaparilla might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Sarsaparilla can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the side effects of digoxin. This can increase the risk of heart damage.

Lithium

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Sarsaparilla might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking sarsaparilla might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs that contain cardiac glycosides: Sarsaparilla can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the side effects of chemicals called cardiac glycosides. This can increase the risk of heart damage. Examples of supplements that contain cardiac glycosides include black hellebore, foxglove, lily-of-the-valley, oleander, and pleurisy root.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
 
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This monograph was last reviewed on 17/10/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 01/11/2022 08:49:01. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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